Beethoven was sick for much of his life. He experienced stomach problems and a change of personality when he was around twenty years old. He also was easily angered, and suffered from depression and hearing loss. His health problems became worse as he grew older. Mister Walsh says severe stomach pain is a sign of lead poisoning. He said the lead levels found in Beethoven’s skull suggest the metal may have been present in his body for many years. Mister Walsh said there is no strong evidence that lead poisoning was a cause of Beethoven’s hearing loss, or deafness. Ludwig van Beethoven visited many doctors throughout his life to find a cure for his health problems. Beethoven wrote a letter to a friend before he died. He urged researchers to examine his body after he died so that other people would not have to suffer as he did. |